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Lot 19:
Description
A pair of wooden miniature cricket bats produced by Nicolls of Robertsbridge, Sussex, in the Crusader model. These bats are commemorative souvenirs for the 1954/5 M.C.C. tour of Australia and the 1956 England season. Each bat features printed facsimile signatures of the respective squads. The blades are finished with a clear lacquer and include maker’s branding at the shoulder with the Nicolls shield crest, the Crusader name in Gothic script, a Melbourne International Exhibition medal logo, and a four-star Extra Special quality mark. The 1954/5 bat commemorates the Ashes-winning tour and displays signatures for Len Hutton, Denis Compton, Peter May, Brian Statham, Bill Edrich, Godfrey Evans, Alec Bedser, Reg Simpson, Peter Loader, Vic Wilson, Johnny Wardle, Tom Graveney, Jim McConnon, Fred Titmus, Frank Tyson, Bob Appleyard, and Colin Cowdrey. The 1956 bat includes signatures for Peter May, Trevor Bailey, Godfrey Evans, Colin Cowdrey, Tom Graveney, Tony Lock, Jim Laker, Willie Watson, Bob Appleyard, Alan Moss, Peter Richardson, and Jim Parks. The handles are wrapped in black cord grips.
Total length: 29 cm (11.5 inches).
Condition report:
The bats are in good vintage condition with an aged patina to the lacquer finish. The 1954/5 bat features a vertical hairline crack of approximately 5 cm extending from the top left shoulder. Both bats show minor surface scuffs and general signs of wear consistent with age. The cord bindings are intact but show accumulation of dust. All printed text and signatures remain legible.
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